Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Back Yard Radio

Spent most of the yesterday afternoon between playing radio under the umbrella to jumping in the pool, turned out to be a perfect summer day.

The anteena I set up was my trusted Buddi-Pole, 20 meters tuned up nice for a 1.3 on the swr meter. It just feels better when you have confidance in the anteena system, which I certainly have in the Buddi-Pole. I started the afternoon with the R40/20 qrp rig hooked up scanning the usual hang outs but could not find a connection calling cq. So much for the confidence I mentioned.

After dinner and the barbaque was closed up I decided to switch over to my Yaesu FT-857 and check out the ssb action. The 20 meter band was in fine shape with a few state side contacts, Cuba and Argentina. I did have to crank up the power to 100W to get in for Argentina, that is why I like the option available for more power if needed. I used my Werker 12V 10Ah battery for the power requirements.

Overall it was a pleasant day to be outside and make a few contacts.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Jim, summertime indeed, it's good to be outside. Yes, when needed I turn up the power output. That's why I have a FT450 also. 73 Paul

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  2. Hi Paul,

    I prefer low power but sometimes it needs to be cranked up.

    Bert Regards - Jim

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